Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly Thematic debate on the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General and other executive heads - February 20th, 2025

Dear Co-Chairs,

Distinguished delegates, 

I thank the co-chairs for organizing this critical and timely debate on the selection of the UN Secretary-General and other executive heads. 

The selection of the Secretary-General for the 2027-2031 term will be critical for the UN and the future of multilateral diplomacy.

The process must be transparent, inclusive and merit-based, thus ensuring that the future head of the Secretariat possesses all the skills needed to address complex global challenges and uphold the UN’s central role in the multilateral system.  Much hope and an enormous responsibility will be put on the shoulders of that most central figure of world diplomacy.

The selection must also abide by key UN principles, including equitable geographic representation and regional rotation. In this context, my delegation recalls that only one Secretary-General - Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuellar, whose term ended almost 35 years ago - was a national from the Latin America and the Caribbean group. And he did a splendid job in one of the most challenging times.

Now it is time again for the job to be given to one of the several able and experienced leaders that the region has to offer to the international community.

The choice of the future Secretary-General must also consider the principle of gender balance, which is being successfully implemented throughout the whole UN system.

The fact that no woman has ever held the post should mobilize the Organization. Taking into account the mandate given by relevant GA resolutions and the Pact for the Future, my delegation encourages Latin American and Caribbean Member States to nominate women candidates.

Co-Chairs,

A fair, inclusive and transparent selection process is not just about choosing a leader. It is about enhancing trust in the United Nations and providing it with the political means to deliver as needed.

It is about showing that this Organization is truly open to all peoples and regions. It is about proving that, despite its shortcomings, the UN remains by far our best option for working together towards a peaceful, prosperous and just future for all.

Thank you.